Janet Peters

Janet was born in Milwaukee, WI, on March 23, 1935, to Elmer and Helen Kuhl. Her family moved to CA after Janet's first year at the Univ. of KY, where she "learned how to play bridge and drink bourbon." After finishing her degree at UCR, she began a teaching career that spanned 40 years, primarily in early childhood education. Each of her students benefited uniquely from her intuitive, creative approach. Janet also made a welcoming home, where family, friends and her kids' friends liked to share a good meal, play games and just hang out. Upon retirement she enjoyed traveling both abroad and in the US, and spending more time with her family. True to her intent, she played bridge nearly every day. Janet loved Scrabble, any and all card games, crossword puzzles, and was well-versed in the many variations of bingo. A knowledgeable and devoted UCLA basketball fan, her favorite day in March (besides her birthday) was filling out her NCAA bracket. She had a love of laughter and the ability to laugh at herself and many of life's troubles. Janet also was a voracious and curious reader with a great belief in the power of storytelling, which was passed on to her children and countless others she taught over the years. (If you haven't read Per Petterson's "Out Stealing Horses," please do, it was her favorite book. She would've loved discussing it with you.)Janet is survived by her children, Steven Peters (Boulder, CO); Erika Stiles and her husband, Steve (Leawood, KS); and by Nick Stiles and Claire Stiles, who loved their fun Grammie. She also leaves behind a sister, Sharon Granda, and two nieces; as well as her in-law family, Merrill Stiles, Sherri Stiles and Lauren Nathanson. The decades-long friendships of Joan and John Hatton, Karen Michaud, Margi Brown and Karen Bost brought her much joy. Special thanks to the wonderfully supportive staff of Redlands Community Hospital Hospice. Janet was a great mother, teacher and friend, who took a genuine interest in things that were important to others. She will be greatly missed.